These changes incorporate new requirements related to the following:

  • IACS Unified Requirement UR C6: Requirements for Lashing Software
  • IACS Unified Requirement UR C7: Approval and Certification of Container Securing Systems
  • New LR notation: RDA (Roll Design Assessment)

​​​​​​Lashing software

Lashing software is available and in use as an additional tool for lashing calculation to supplement the SOLAS Regulation VI/5.6 requirements regarding the statutory Cargo Securing Manual (CSM). 

Lloyd’s Register (via the BoxMax notation) already prescribes the application of approved lashing software on board container ships. The BoxMax notation has been updated to meet the requirements of IACS UR C6, Requirements for Lashing Software. IACS, UR C6, harmonises the performance standards and compliance requirements for such software to ensure a consistent approval process among member classification societies.

Container securing systems

It is important for the safety of the ship and the protection of the cargo and personnel that the cargo is secured properly, especially accounting for strength of the supporting structures and securing fittings. IACS, UR C7, defines a scope for the approval and certification of the container securing systems to enhance the safe transportation of containerised cargoes, to close any regulatory gaps among the member classification societies. The requirements of UR C7 are being incorporated into LR’s Rules and Regulations.

The requirements of UR C6 and UR C7 apply to container ships contracted for construction on or after 1 July 2025 and come into force on that date. 

RDA (Roll Design Assessment) notation

Lloyd’s Register has introduced a new notation, RDA (Roll Design Assessment), which aims to assess the roll behaviour of container ships in various environmental conditions for different ship loading conditions. 

This notation recognises that various loading conditions combined with specific environmental conditions may excite the ship to resonant parametric or synchronous rolling. As this excessive rolling phenomena is considered one of the main causes of container loss at sea, prediction of this event is of vital importance. The notation also contributes significantly to enhancing the safety of the ship, crew and cargo.

A container ship with the RDA notation will be equipped with an onboard roll assessment software program, in compliance with the prescribed requirements to support the crew in taking appropriate action to avoid excessive roll motions of the ship. In combination with LR’s BoxMax notation, the RDA notation warrants the optimum ship loadability without compromising on safety.

The requirements of the optional RDA notation are being incorporated into LR’s Rules and Regulations. The relevant procedures for the notation are given in LR's ShipRight document “Procedure for Roll Design Assessment”.

For further information

For further information or advice, please get in touch with Rules@lr.org. 

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